Joe Barry is on the couch this week
Occupation: President of Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and public health doctor.
Personal/Family: Wife Siobhan; children Niamh (20), Neasa (16), Sadhbh (12) and Conn (9).
What figure from the world of health/medicine do you most admire?
Nye Bevan, for having a vision (he created the NHS) and the political skills to make it happen.
What alternative career might you have chosen?
Primary schoolteacher.
If you were appointed Minister for Health what would be your first priority?
Swop places with the Minister for Finance
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
Don't really think about it but would not like to become dependent.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Never been a patient.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
3-D Atlas of Stars and Galaxies by Richard Monkhouse and John Cox(for those long nights); Carl Hiaasen (Florida-based comedy/crime writer) omnibus; The Double by Ken Ferris (a match by match account of Spurs FA Cup & League Championship winning season of 1960-1961 - rechercher du temps perdu).
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Dinner out with Siobhan every Wednesday night; getting in touch with nature whenever possible, swimming in Seapoint, witnessing beautiful sunrises and sunsets, walking on the West Pier or in the countryside.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Bremner, Bird & Fortune.
If you did not live in Ireland where would you chose to spend the rest of your life?
Southern Italy.
Summarise yourself in 12 words or less?
Happy, lucky, easygoing, committed, dependable, persistent.
Do you use alternative medicine/ therapies?
No, but if I got sick I would consider anything that would help.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Luckily, lots of things but in particular the company of my family and friends.
(Interview by Dr Muiris Houston)